Nicola, Lewis (1717-1807) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01683 Author/Creator: Nicola, Lewis (1717-1807) Place Written: Fishkill, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 October 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 23.3 x 17.7 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Colonel Nicola, commander of the Invalid Regiment, to Major General Knox. Says he has been in conversations with others about the necessity of keeping a standing army in America after the peace. Has concerns that "some in authority as well as others" think militia will only be needed. Says that "while we retain our senses, we shall have little occasion of quarrel with any european power, yet our being in a very defenceless state may in time induce some to attack us. Ventures to make some observations on military matters, as he has 30 years experience. Would like to see a small body of regular troops with "an eye chiefly to economy, which I have carried as far as possible, without frustrating, in a great measure, the end proposed." Says the small group can train larger groups if needed. Is sending him a rough draft of the plan that he would like Knox to look over before it is sent to a member of Congress.
Nicola is famous for his letter sent to George Washington on 22 May 1782 -- complaining of Congress's inability to keep the army supplied and funded and suggesting that a monarchy be established.
[draft]
Fishkill 26 Octob 1782
Sr
When in Philadelphia last winter & since my return I have been some times in company where the conversation has occasionally turned on the necessity there will be of keeping standing forces in the country after the peace, & it was with concern I found some in authority, as well as others, looked on them as unnecessary, & their place well supplied by militia, a doctrine which, should it prevail, may, I fear, be highly pernicious to this country, for tho, while [inserted: we] retain our senses, we shall have little occasion, of quarrel with any european power, yet our being in a very defenseless state may in [terne] induce some to attack us; yet it is a doctrine that may be highly palatable to numbers, as entirely forcing them from the heavy expense occasioned by the present war.
As during upwards of thirty years service I have had many opportunities of making observations on & duly considering what relates to military matters, I have ventured to make some observations on the subject, & to propose a scheme [2] for keeping up a small body of regular troops, but on a supposition that the principal [objects] on will arise from the expense rather than danger to our constitution I have had an eye chiefly to economy, which I have earned as far as possible, without frustrating, in a great measure, the end proposed; having always a small body of officers & men so well disciplined as readily to instruct a larger number when requisite.
Unwilling to rely entirely on my own judgment I take the liberty of troubling you with the rough draught & requesting your sentiments before I transcribe it, & communicate it to some member of Congress, or other person in authority.
The many civilities I have received from you induce me to hope you will excuse this freedom & do me the justice to believe me with respect
Sr
Your most obedt Servt.
Lewis Nicola Col Inv.
[address]
To Majr Genl Knox
Commanding at
West Point
[docket]
from Colonel Nickola from Colonel N[text loss]
26 October 178[3] October 1782
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